Something Complicated

Chapter Thirteen: Run, Baby, Run

The last time I attended a track meet was two years ago, when Brandon was still part of the team and they beat everyone else's asses out. They were too good. That's when I realized how much of an athlete Brandon is. I only watched him play basketball with my brother or with his brother, and I never thought he could be an athlete—a track athlete at that.

I asked him once why he joined the track team. All he said was "scholarship" and "girls will now want to date me." I swear I rolled my eyes at him. But true enough, when you're part of any varsity team, it's easier for you to get a boyfriend or a girlfriend. There's no scientific explanation to that though. But if you're observant, you'll notice that every track athlete has a girlfriend. Okay, except for Stefan who's still pining after his ex.

When I was a freshman, Brandon pushed me to join the swimming team. It was something that he thought I was good at. Well, I know how to swim, but I am not good—not Michael Phelps level of good. Plus, I want to focus on my studies, so joining any varsity team is a no-no for me. And did I mention there is no athletic bone in me?

Brandon, on the other hand, has made it seem like everything's easy. He was able to adjust to his schedule juggling both studies and training. When he left the team, he was able to transition from cool kid to normal kid. There are times I wonder whether he misses running in track meets like this.

With that in mind, I know there's a big chance I'll see him today. My heart's already prepared for it.

What I am not prepared for is seeing Stefan's family. They are in the VIP area, just like me. The tickets Stefan gave me are exclusive for the athlete's family and friends. Though I am Brandon's friend, this is my first time watching the race from here.

I tug on Cacay, who is still waving at Randy. I lead us to the other side of the VIP area, as far away as possible from Stefan's family. It's not that I am being rude. I want to greet Mommy Agnes, but Stefan's father and brothers are there.

We find a seat a few feet away from the Manzano's and with a good view of the running track. Perfect.

"Why are you on a rush? We're still an hour early. And besides, we're in the VIP area. We're not gonna lose seats,"  There's disappointment on Cacay's face.

"Are you flirting with Randy? Because let me remind you, he has a girlfriend."

"Not anymore," Her mouth twitches into a smile.

"What do you mean not anymore?" It takes me a few seconds to analyze what she meant. "Don't tell me you're in contact with Randy Didario?!"

"Seems like it," She pulls a full-on megawatt smile. That's the smile she uses when she gets 1.00 or A+ in Ethics.

"You are flirting with him. Oh my God!" I wait for the shock to subside before continuing. "I mean, you're pretty, classy and sophisticated, Cacay. I'm just...thrilled. That's all."

"I know. Me too," She elbows me when she sees Randy on the big screen. He's stretching.

"But how? I mean, when?" I also look up at the screen, hoping the camera will focus on Stefan.

"It was just yesterday. I was looking forward to telling you, but I thought today's the right time. He got my number from our blockmate."

"Which blockmate?"  My brows furrow in thought.

"Korina," Cacay giggles. "She actually thought he was asking her out. But he was asking her...about me."

I roll my eyes and laugh. "How to be you, please?"

Cacay answers me with a shriek as Stefan graces the big screen. She raises my hand, pushing me to cheer for him. I give a shy "Yey!"

The crowd stays silent as we watch the player's profile on screen. The first one they introduced is Stefan. He's talking about his hobbies (running, basketball, video games), his favorite food (tacos), his pre-race ritual (text the important people in his life and pray). My heart leaps at that. I wait for my phone to buzz, but it doesn't.